Fever Coach Christie Sides Thinks Caitlin Clark Needs To Be More Selfish
Caitlin Clark's lack of shots in the fourth quarter was a big topic of conversation following the Indiana Fever's loss to the Chicago Sky on Sunday. Now Indiana coach Christie Sides has weighed in and said she would like to see Caitlin call her own number and put the ball up more.
Christie Sides on the balance for Caitlin Clark shooting & making the right pass: “I think sometimes she’s being a little too unselfish… I think she turns down some shots. I’d like her to take some shots that, when she comes off, she knows she has the green light.”
— Matthew Byrne (@MatthewByrne1) June 25, 2024
Full clip: pic.twitter.com/zthQXIqJ34
Sides stated she thinks Clark is a little too unselfish and should take some more shots that she sometimes turns down, before emphasizing that the star rookie has the green light to let it go. CC had previously stated that she trusts her teammates, even if they aren't always converting her passes into assists.
Clark also reflected on the loss at the team's shoot-around saying they must remain aggressive even with the lead. Caitlin emphasized she doesn't want to dwell on it too much, but that they can't let it happen again.
Caitlin Clark on how the team’s handled the Sky L: “It stinks… you can’t dwell on it too much, but you can’t let it happen again… (about film) if we have another situation in the 4th quarter where we’re up 15, you still have to be able to attack and be aggressive.”
— Matthew Byrne (@MatthewByrne1) June 25, 2024
Full clip: pic.twitter.com/JOzekX7LQm
Clark is averaging 6.6 assists per game, currently good for fourth in the WNBA. She is scoring 16.3 points per contest, which puts her in the top 15. But the NCAA's all-time leading scorer is only attempting 12.4 shots. So while she has been efficient there is an argument to be made for an increase in volume.
Sides has made a habit of coaching Clark publicly in the latter's rookie season and we will see how this advice is received. Regardless, there will be a lot of eyes watching and most fans probably wouldn't mind if Clark let it fly a few more times.
Robin Lundberg is a media veteran and hoops head who has spent the bulk of his career with iconic brands like Sports Illustrated and ESPN. His insights have also been featured on platforms such as Fox and CNN and he can currently be heard hosting shows for Sirius XM and on his burgeoning YouTube show. And now he brings his basketball expertise to Women's Fastbreak on SI!